State highway worker killed in Parkville crash on I-695 outer loop

A Maryland State Highway Administration worker was killed Thursday morning following a serious crash on the outer loop of Interstate 695 in Parkville, Maryland State Police said.

Eddie L. Gliyard, 50, of the 5000 block of Hillen Road in Baltimore, was pronounced dead at the scene in the Putty Hill Road area after he was hit by a 2001 Volvo S80, police said. The 25-year State Highway Administration employee and his colleague were repairing a road sign when the Volvo veered off into the right shoulder of the beltway at around 11 a.m., striking Gliyard and their vehicle.

The other worker, Nathan A. Brown, 38, of the 500 block of Kosoak Road in Middle River was not hit by the Volvo, but was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma because he was injured while escaping from the vehicle, according to police. Baltimore County medical personnel took the driver, Mary T. Levy, 61, of the 8900 block of Grummore Road in Pikesville, to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment.

There were no other passengers in the Volvo, police said. The accident is still under investigation.

The crash had initially shut down all lanes on the outer loop of Interstate 695, but they have since reopened, according to the State Highway Administration.

Grief counseling will be made available to Gliyard's colleagues, and all non-emergency highway administration employees will have a moment of silence for him and then spend Friday morning reviewing safety procedures, the administration said.

"The SHA family is stunned and saddened by this tragic incident, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the Gilyard family as well as our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Brown and his family," said State Highway Administrator Melinda Peters in a statement Thursday evening. "Every day, thousands of hard working and dedicated women and men put their lives on the line in roadway work zones all across the state.

"This is a heartbreaking reminder of the hazards faced by our dedicated workers. While this crash is under investigation, it is imperative that we remind drivers to slow down and stay alert when approaching any area where people are working."